Liverpool ‘contact Leicester’ over Riyad Mahrez transfer as Jurgen Klopp lines up Algerian winger

LIVERPOOL have reportedly contacted Leicester about signing winger Riyad Mahrez.

The Reds are expected to lose Philippe Coutinho this month to Barcelona for £142million.

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But they are wasting no time in searching for replacement firepower for the Brazilian.

And French publication claim Anfield officials have contacted the Foxes on Friday as they look to press ahead with a swoop for the Algerian.

Reports emerged earlier in the day that Chelsea were plotting a January move for the 26-year-old, who handed in a transfer request last summer.

However, Leicester boss Claude Puel is adamant that the 2016 PFA Player of the Year will be remaining at the King Power Stadium until at least the end of the season.

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He said: "I have said I want to keep all my best players in the squad. Riyad is a valuable player to the team.

"When I discuss things with him he has shown a good attitude, he is enjoying his football. He is a happy player. This is a good thing.

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"He likes to play with his team-mates. He has improved all his stats with assists and goals.

"It is all positive for him. I want to continue this work with all my best players, like Riyad."

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And when quizzed on whether Mahrez had asked to leave this transfer window, he added: "No. He is happy with the squad. After that, it is speculation.

"For me, there is no problem. He is happy to play with his team-mates. He loves football.

"In the transfer window, people can make speculation about players and transfers, but I am not worried because I like the player.

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"It is easy to speak with him and he likes the football and this is the most important thing."

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Monaco attacker Thomas Lemar as Jurgen Klopp attempts to fill the void left by his talisman Coutinho.

They were desperate to keep hold of the 25-year-old South American.

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But Anfield bosses are now reluctantly moving towards allowing Coutinho to leave this month so long as the La Liga club come up with the right terms.

Meanwhile, fellow Kop star Emre Can has reportedly agreed his exit from Merseyside.

The German international is out of contract at the end of the season and has reportedly signed an agreement to join Italian giants Juventus on a free.